Whitestem milkweed, White-stemmed Milkweed

Synonym(s):

The genus was named in honor of Asclepiades, a physician in ancient Greece, undoubtedly because some species have long been used to treat a variety of ailments. The similar Rush Milkweed (A. subulata) is found in the same region in desert washes and on sandy flats; it is distinguished by its narrow, erect hoods, which are about as long as its petals.